I would like to continue on the subject of forgiving, because it is very important to our communication with the King. If you are not the one who was sinned against, but the one who was disobedient (sinned), then I would advise you to think about this: Asking forgiveness is never honest if you justify your behavior. What you are saying in that case, is that circumstances warranted what you did. That means if the same situation arises again, you probably would do the same thing. That kind of attitude expresses no real sorrow and no repentance.

Forgive in the Hebrew language means "to cut loose". Now that sounds sensible. In other words, when you forgive someone, you release that person from everything for which you are holding them accountable. When you ask forgiveness, you are admitting accountability. You are expressing sorrow for your behavior and asking that you be released from what the other individual holds you accountable for. Jesus the King put it this way: “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

Keep in mind, if you have a wrong attitude, it gets in the Lord God's way. It blocks the flow of His Spirit to you. That means God must withhold from you many blessings that otherwise might come your way. Unforgiveness binds you to that other individual with ungodly ties. To be free, you must release them. That releases you into openness.

Remember that forgiveness will not relieve the hurt. But when you are free, god can easily wash the bitterness, anger, and hatred away. Also, you do not have to feel like forgiving. Forgiveness is not an emotion but a decision; an act of your will. Choose to obey the Word and release the other individual. The good feelings will most definitely follow.